What is the difference between an explanatory (or independent) variable and a response (or dependent) variable

Explanation:dependent variable is a variable that depends on one or two factors to get its result or output. It doesn't stand on its own but rest on other factors to exist. Example plant yield is a function of rain, good soil and management practices so its a dependent variable while an Independent variable is such that stands on its own. For an independent variable is always been depend on by dependent variable.

example is plant height it doesn't need anything to itself but some plant yield depends on the height of the plant.

Variable is a trait or factor that is able to exist at various condition.

Explanation:

A dependent or response variable is the variable that depends on and it is affected by other variables I. e independent variables. Dependent variables represent the outcome in an experiment and it is been tested or measured in an experiment. Examples include how people grow tall are various ages.

Independent or explanatory variable is variable that does not depend on other variable and they are not affected by other variables. This variable are changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

For example, if you are told to determined how long it takes students to eat. The length of time is independent variable and the scores is dependent variable.